Road Fatality Numbers Increased in 2016

Transport Scotland has recently published figures giving an insight into the number of deaths and injuries that occurred on Scotland’s roads during 2016.

According to the figures, there were a total of 10,881 road casualties reported in 2016, which is 93 or 1% fewer than 2015 and the lowest number of casualties since records began in 1950. However, this number includes 191 fatalities, which is 23 (or 14%) more than in 2015.

Breakdown by Road User

The total casualty figure of 10,881 also includes:

1,693 seriously injured: 93 (or 6%) more than 2015

8,997 slightly injured: 209 (or 2%) fewer than 2015

Looking at the figures by road user, they show that in 2016 there were:

6,683 car users injured (30, 0.4% less than 2015); including 106 fatalities (31 more than 2015)

1,663 pedestrian casualties (32, 2% less than 2015); including 32 fatalities (12 less than 2015)

711 motorcycle casualties (23, 3% less than 2015); including 30 fatalities (3 more than 2015)

789 pedal cycle casualties (1% less than 2015); including 8 fatalities (3 more than 2015)

301 bus and coach user casualties (31, 9% less than 2015)

In addition, the figures show that in 2016 there were 1,011 child casualties reported, 40 (4%) more than in 2015. This included 12 fatalities, 8 more than last year.

Increase in Fatalities and Serious Injuries is ‘Disappointing’

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has described the rise in the number of fatalities and serious injuries as disappointing, and stated that the Government would increase its efforts to reach the casualty reduction targets set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020.

“The longer term downward trends are positive and show that we are making good progress towards meeting our targets and the annual decline in the total number of casualties, to the lowest level since records began, is encouraging,” he said. “However, I am resolute in my determination to save lives and to meet the ultimate vision set out in the Framework, where no-one is killed on Scotland’s roads.”

“In March last year the mid-term review of the Framework identified speed and motorcyclists; pre-drivers, drivers aged 17-25 and older drivers; pedestrians and cyclists as priority areas and together with our partners we continue to work on a raft of measures to improve road safety,” he explained. “I plan to meet with representatives of cycling organisations tomorrow to discuss what more we can do to make our roads as safe as possible for cyclists and all road users.”

“We are currently supporting the Seatbelts on School Transport (Scotland) Bill through Parliament to keep our children safe on the journey to and from school,” he added. “In addition, the average speed camera system on the A9 continues to show a marked, and sustained, improvement in driver behaviour, coupled with a reduction in casualties and collisions. The outcomes delivered on the A9 give us confidence that the average speed camera system on the A90 due to go-live in the Autumn will be just as successful.”

"I would like to thank you for all your efforts. The practice has shown professional standards and always communicated with updates, regularly. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending the practice if required"